I first met Miriam-Rose through her writing and artwork, back in the early 1990s, when Studies of Religion was first introduced as a new HSC course. For the first time ever, Religion, compulsory in all Catholic schools, could actually count towards the TER (as it was called in those days). We had a long line of students opting to do the one-unit course. And we, as teachers, needed to prepare ourselves to teach it. We were heavily in-serviced and I still have folders of copious notes handed out to us by CEO.

The discussion on January 26, also known as Australia Day, remains a divisive topic in Australia, with many First Nations people viewing it as a day of mourning rather than celebration. While it is marketed as a day that unites all Australians, for Indigenous communities, it marks the beginning of colonization, loss of sovereignty, and cultural destruction. The debate resurfaces annually, highlighting its significance to those negatively impacted. Emma Garlit presents an analogy likening the celebration of January 26 to intruders returning annually to commemorate an act of harm, reinforcing why many Indigenous Australians feel excluded and distressed on this day.

Twenty years ago, the parish of Narena recognized the problem of loneliness within the community, particularly among those who lived alone. Inspired by Jesus’ example of gathering people around meals, the parish initiated Community Dinners, a free weekly meal open to everyone. This initiative quickly became a vital part of many people’s lives, offering them a sense of companionship and dignity. Beyond just providing food, these dinners became a cornerstone of social connection for those who otherwise ate alone, demonstrating the power of simple acts of hospitality in fostering a sense of belonging.

Wonder is a powerful film about a 10 year old boy (Augie Pullman) who is born with a significant facial disfigurement. The film journeys with Augie’s transition between being home schooled and returning to regular day school. Wonder deals with several major issues such as bullying, poor self-esteem, peer pressure and family break down. Through these difficulties Augie is able to discover the goodness of who is through the relationships and friendships that form around him.

Watch a very special performance of ‘I Am Australian’ by the students of Broome Primary School. The ABC would like to thank the Mabu Yawuru ngan-ga language team and Yawuru Traditional Owners of Broome for providing the translation of the song ‘I Am Australian’ and for assisting us in the making of this video. To find out more and share your ABC stories visit

The presentation starts by illustrating how the mind is a natural storyteller, making connections and creating narratives to understand the world. This is demonstrated through a quirky exercise where the audience is asked to consider how a desk could be the mother of a chair, highlighting the mind's tendency to form stories even in the absence of logical connections.

Sister Vicki Celebrates 25 years as a Marist Missionary Sister

'Rabbit-Proof Fence' is a powerful and poignant true story set in Australia during the 1930s. It follows the journey of three young Aboriginal girls, Molly, Daisy, and Gracie, who are forcibly removed from their families by the Australian government as part of its policy to assimilate Indigenous children into white society. The girls are taken to a remote settlement, but determined to return home, they escape and embark on an incredible journey back to their families, using the vast rabbit-proof fence as their guide. The film highlights the resilience, strength, and indomitable spirit of these girls as they defy all odds and navigate the harsh landscape, facing numerous challenges and encounters along the way. Their story sheds light on the unjust treatment of Indigenous Australians and serves as a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond between mother and child and the enduring spirit of the Aboriginal people.

The ABC Australian Story about Dr. Anne O'Neill offers a profound and emotional narrative of her resilience and recovery following a harrowing family tragedy. At 24, Dr. O'Neill was stalked, harassed, and intimidated by her estranged husband for 18 months. This culminated in a tragic night when he broke into her home and fatally shot their two children before turning the gun on himself, leaving Dr. O'Neill severely wounded and ultimately leading to the amputation of her leg.

'Jesu' is a deeply spiritual and reverent song by Dr. G. Yunupingu (Gurrumul), a Yolu musician from Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. Gurrumul was known for blending traditional Yolu culture with contemporary music, and this song reflects his personal faith and Indigenous spirituality.